Abstract: In a computer image generation system, as a viewpoint approaches a surface of an object and is closer than a predetermined threshold distance from the surface, a texture pattern obtained from cell data becomes fuzzy, and may not provide adequate motion cues for training, such as piloting an airplane. In accordance with the present invention, apparatus and method provide random data at a predetermined derived level of detail for combining with cell data to define the surface including texture of the object when the object is closer to the viewpoint than the threshold distance. The apparatus may be readily retrofitted into an existing system.

Abstract: The human eye is more sensitive to brightness than to color. Accordingly, color definition is defined by a luminance or brightness (Y) component, an in-phase component (I) and a quadrature component (Q) and which are appropriately processed before being converted to more traditional red, green and blue (RGB) components for color display control. Scaling and redesignating YIQ data permits representation by fewer bits than a RGB scheme during processing. Also, Y values may be processed at one level of detail while the corresponding I and Q data values may be processed at a lesser level of detail. Translucency information may also be accommodated.

Abstract: A computer video image generating system including a computer memory having three dimensional object data stored therein employs an advanced object generator for retrieving and processing the object data for output to a span processor for controlling the pixel-by-pixel video output signal for a video display. The advanced object generator includes a translucency processor, an edge-on fading processor, a level of detail blending processor and a bilinear interpolator for texture smoothing.